Page 24 - PBSD Code of Conduct 2020 - 2021

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Step 2
1. If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties in Step 1, the complainant and the accused will each submit a detailed written statement of account to the Assistant Superintendent who will inform both parties of the date of an administrative conference. The notice will be given to both parties at least three school days before the date of the conference. The notice shall include place and time of the conference and the subject of the conference. Students shall have the right to present witnesses and other evidence at the conference and in all steps of the process.
2. Should the Assistant Superintendent be the Complainant or the accused, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall conduct the conference.
3. Administrative Conference Results
a. Should the administrative conference be resolved in favor of the accused, no further
action will be necessary except that the charges and resolution may be placed in the accused file, if the accused is a staff member so requests. Otherwise, the charges and the transcript will be sealed and impounded. Release from the impounding may be made only upon action of the Superintendent or his/her designee or a court order.
b. If the conference is resolved against the accused, appropriate disciplinary action will follow. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject the student to disciplinary action, consistent with the code of conduct, and may include educational activities, and/or counseling services related to unlawful harassment. It may also include suspension or expulsion in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code and the Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
4. Both parties shall receive written notice of the decision rendered within ten school days of the administrative conference.
5. If it is concluded that the student made false accusations, such student shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the Disciplinary Guidelines.
Appeal Procedure
If the complainant or accused is not satisfied with the principal’s decision, the student may file a written appeal to the Superintendent or designated individual. The Superintendent or designated individual shall review the initial investigation and report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation. S/He shall prepare a written response to the appeal. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, building principal and others directly involved, as appropriate.
Ethnic and Racial Harassment
Ethnic and racial harassment includes the use of derogatory words, phrases or actions to characterize offensively a given racial or ethnic group. Refer to ​Board Policy 248​ for more information. Further, the following behaviors may constitute racial or ethnic intimidation:
● Pressure to engage in racial or ethnic intimidation
● Repeated remarks of demeaning racial or ethnic Implications
● The demeaning display of depiction or any racial or ethnic group
Exceptionally Prepared for Success
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